Covid-19 Significantly Increases Risk of Death In Perio Patients
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- Published: Tuesday, 09 March 2021 08:53
- Written by Chris Tapper
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Patients with advanced gum disease are much more likely to suffer serious complications from the coronavirus, a new study has revealed.
Research carried out on more than 500 patients in Qatar found that those with severe gum disease were up to nine times more likely to die from Covid-19, and five times more likely to require assisted ventilation.
Around 4.1 million people have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the UK so far, while an estimated 90% of adults have some degree of gum disease.
The Oral Health Foundation has said in a press release that ‘gum disease can be easily prevented or managed in its early stages.’
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the charity believes keeping on top of your oral health could play a key role when it comes to battling the virus.
Dr Carter said “This is the latest of many studies that form a connection between the mouth and other health conditions. The evidence here seems overwhelming – by maintaining good oral health, specifically healthy gums – you are able to limit your chances of developing the most serious complications of coronavirus.
He added “Given the new link with coronavirus complications, the need for early intervention becomes even greater.”
The Oral Health Foundation is alerting the public to the first signs of gum disease, such as blood on a toothbrush, as well as highlighting the importance of taking early action against the signs of gum disease, following research that suggests far too many people ignore it.
Latest figures collected by the charity show almost one-in-five Britons (19%) immediately stop brushing areas that bleed, while nearly one in ten (8%) stop brushing altogether.
Association between periodontitis and severity of COVID‐19 infection: A case–control study. J Clin Periodontol. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.13435
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